Trail Definitions
Difficulty Ratings
Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.
Trail Route Type
Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.
Butterfly Trail
0.5 mile | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: benches
This trail, lined with native plants, consists of one main loop with short side loops that traverse various of habitats, including a frog pond, forest, meadow, and lake shoreline. Spot frogs and turtles at the frog pond or enjoy the dragonflies and damselflies hoovering around on the bridge. Relax in the gazebo while listening to frogs, herons, and buzzing bees.
Five Points Trail
1.3 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water
On the North Shore, this trail meanders through forests and by a small pond. Access the trail near Lakeview Beach and the organized group tenting area.
Glacier Ridge Trail
14.8 miles in the park | Most difficult hiking in the park | Point-to-point trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking
Trailhead amenities: none
Designated as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, this trail extends from the western end of Moraine State Park to Jennings Environmental Education Center. The trail winds through forests, crosses streams, and offers scenic views of Lake Arthur. Glacier Ridge Trail can be accessed at PA 528, Mount Union Road, the bike rental, and McDanels Launch Area.
Link Road Backpacking Shelters are available to backpackers by reservation only. Contact the park office for backpacking information.
Hilltop Trail
3.0 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
On the South Shore, this trail passes by different stages of forest regeneration, cavity-nesting bird boxes, and the remains of a springhouse. Hikers can choose a 1.1-mile shorter loop or a 3-mile longer loop. The trail includes flat grassy areas and gradual inclines that lead to fields high above the highway and lake. Access this trail near the entrance of Bear Run Boat Launch.
Horseback Riding Trail
20 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none
In the southwest and east sides of the park, the equestrian trail system is a combination of loops with out and back spurs. There are multiple trailheads: Porter Cove, Rt 488, Swamp Run Rd., North Country Club Rd., Burton Rd., McCall Rd., and Election House Rd.
The trails on the east side of the park allow snowmobiles. Horseback riding is limited to designated trails and roadsides throughout the park.
Mountain Bike Trails
6.0 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: none
Various loop trails for mountain bikes are on the North Shore. Trails include steep slopes, rough surfaces, and slippery areas. These technical trails are primarily for experienced off-road riders in good physical condition who have equipment for off-road riding. Trailheads are accessed from Mt. Union Road and Alexander Ridge Road.
Multi-use Trail
7.0 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches
The paved, multi-use trail winds near the shoreline between the bike rental (open spring to fall) in the northwest corner of the park and the Davis Hollow Marina area. The trail can be accessed at many places, including the Lakeview Day Use and Watts Bay Marina areas.
Pleasant Valley Trail
1.9 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables
This lovely trail offers an easy hike through the hills and valleys of the South Shore, passing through wooded and open grassy areas. The trail passes near the Windy Knob and Bear Run picnic areas, crosses Hilltop Trail, and then intersects with Sunken Garden Trail.
When conditions permit, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Access to this trail is directly across Pleasant Valley Road from the Pleasant Valley Picnic Area.
Sunken Garden Trail
3.6 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables
For an enjoyable and scenic hike that is close to the park office, Sunken Garden Trail offers views of the lake shoreline and travels through a variety of habitats and terrains.
Hikers can choose from three loops: 1.9-mile loop, 2.4-mile loop, or 3.6-mile loop.
When conditions permit, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. In the Pleasant Valley Area, access the trail near the non-powered boat launch.
Wyggeston Trail
4.6 miles | Most difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Yellow and white blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
For the more adventurous, this trail has rougher, rockier terrain and is a more challenging hike than the other trails on the South Shore. The trail takes hikers into a remote, undeveloped section of the park with diverse natural plant communities, and by an old house foundation, stone fences, and a historic oil central powerhouse.
The trail can be hiked either as a 1.5-mile, white-blazed loop, or a 3-mile, yellow blazed, linear trail between Christley Road and Park Road. Combine both trails for a 4.6-mile excursion one way.